However, this story today from NJ.com detailing Philadelphia’s increasing nervousness over some of Jackson’s off-field associations might also trouble the Seahawks or any other team that would now be interested in signing him (here’s NFL.com with more on some of Philly’s concerns about Jackson off the field). UPDATE — Jackson later released this statement refuting much of what was in the NJ.com story.

Jackson does have some ties to some prominent Seahawks, however, having played at Cal during a time when running back Marshawn Lynch and defensive tackle Brandon Mebane were also with the Bears.

And Seattle undoubtedly wants to add to its receiver corps after losing Golden Tate in free agency. Jackson would also fill the team’s punt return vacancy. The Seahawks, though, have been extremely frugal in free agency and hard to tell how aggressively they would want to pursue Jackson, who was due to count $12.5 million against the Eagles’ salary cap in 2014 (good breakdown of his contract here). If they weren’t willing to get involved in much of a bidding war for Tate, why would they for Jackson, who while talented, appears to have some baggage and who isn’t the big receiver that the team may be more interested in trying to acquire, with the high-salaried Percy Harvin and Doug Baldwin already in the fold for 2014.

For now, anything tying Jackson to the Seahawks appears to be just the early rumor stage.

UPDATE — Here’s a later report from NFL.com labeling the Seahawks as “longshots” to sign Jackson.

IN OTHER NEWS. …

The list of available — or potentially available — free agent defensive linemen was reduced by two Thursday when Shaun Phillips signed with the Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots worked out a new deal with Vince Wilfork.

Seattle has pursued some free agent defensive linemen the last few weeks with no success, notably Jared Allen, and it makes sense to think the Seahawks are still on the lookout for any that will be available at the right price.

As noted in the blog post Wednesday, it’s looking more and more like Seattle will have to rely largely on what is on its current roster to fill out its defensive line in 2014. But a late signing or two to add depth — as well as a draft pick or two — won’t be a surprise.

— You might have heard that Johnny Manziel held his Pro Day Thursday. Seattle was one of 3o teams represented. But the Seahawks were likely more interested in Texas A&M WR Mike Evans, who drew some pretty big praise from Gil Brandt. Evans almost certainly won’t be there when Seattle picks at No. 32 in the first round but there’s little doubt they are intrigued by a receiver with the size of the 6-5, 231-pound Evans, who was also a star at the NFL Combine last month.